Through our Aging in Place program, Dekalb Habitat helps older adults age at home and in communities of their choice. We collaborate with human services organizations to evaluate individual needs and provide critical home repairs, modifications and community services specific to each homeowner’s lifestyle to preserve their home and their independence.
We have two programs to serve our older Americans:
The Senior Home Repair Program works with homeowners who need assistance with critical repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues. Habitat also offers Home Preservation as a component of the Repair Program to address minor home maintenance and repairs to the home and Aging in Place services for seniors and those with physical or mental impairments to better enable people to live and age safely in their homes.
This program is open to all military veterans, provided they have received an honorable or general discharge. Critical home repair is interior, or exterior work performed to alleviate critical health, life, and safety issues or code violations, including a change to or repair of materials or components; a reconfiguration of space; a modification for accessibility; installation or extension of plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems on an existing structure.
Latest Senior Stories
To celebrate Older Americans Month, we are collecting 65 Senior Stories that honor their contributions and influence in your life. When we reach 65 stories, Georgia Natural Gas will donate $6500 to our Aging In Place program!
Our unique approach: Housing Plus model
Habitat is consistently working at the intersection of housing, human services and health in all that we do. We innovated the Housing Plus model, a range of person-centered, holistic approaches that starts with the older adult’s needs, then builds out a solution that incorporates not only home repairs and modifications, but community resources as well.
By looking at a full network of resources in addition to offering repairs and modifications, Habitat helps tailor a holistic approach for each homeowner so they can safely and securely remain in their homes as they age.
The need
Home provides a strong sense of security and comfort — this is especially true for older adults: one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country.
A 2018 survey by AARP found that 76% of adults over age 50 want to remain in their current residence as they get older. And by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older.
Yet, more than 19 million older adults are living in homes that are in disrepair or ill-equipped to safely meet their needs and changing abilities.
By supporting Habitat DeKalb, you can help more older adults age in place.
Senior Stories
Honor a senior today, here.
1
"My grandmother Edith Mitchell was one of the most influential persons in my life. She was the one of the wisest persons I know, but could not read or write and did not finish grade school. She was the "go-to" person for everyone in her neighborhood regarding to issues ranging from child rearing to home repair to cooking to child birth to home remedies for any illness. I remember once she refused to sell a hand made quilt that she made from a foot operated Singer machine to someone from "up North" , because she knew that the person would re-sell it at a higher prices thus "exploiting her craft. She then turned around a GAVE that same quilt to a struggling family she knew could not afford it. That was my example of "character" that my grandmother instilled in me."
David M.
2
"My Granddaddy Alva used to take such joy in learning what I was up to, and asking so many questions. I wish he could have met my young daughters, to be asking them questions. They would ask him questions right back! He was a good man with integrity, and played many roles in his life. I admire him."
Shelley M.
3
"In honor of Older Americans Month, I want to recognize my grandmother, Rosetta. She is the only living grandparent that I have, and I greatly appreciate her being in my life. I've been getting to know her as a person recently, and she is such a sassy, loving person. I'm thankful I'm fortunate enough to know and remember her and tell her I love her."
Rayana M.
4
Billy M.
5
My grandmother, Marium, was one of the most influential people in my life. She taught me how to value my faith, as well as how to be respectful, thoughtful, and caring. I think of her all the time, and will always cherish our wonderful moments together.
Shan M.
6
Bonnie & Sheryl
7
—
8
Many years ago as a teen, I had a quiet evening with my grandfather who was visiting. I asked if he remembered living in the 1920's. Not only did he remember, but he went on to tell me about being in high school where he was one of the few kids lucky enough to have a car. His best friend's older brother owned a pharmacy. During prohibition, pharmacies were allowed to buy grain alcohol. The two of them would transport grain alcohol from the pharmacy to a speak easy in town. In exchange, they were allowed to hang out at these establishments at night and mingle with the adults. It was a story that I will always remember.
Richard C.
9
Dee.
10
I'm very inspired by the active seniors who I work with through Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb - Ron, Chip, Tom, Allen. Our "gray ghost" volunteers retired from some amazing careers - professor, engineer, construction manager, etc. Not wanting to just sit at home, they do a lot of the planning, organizing, and actual physical labor that's critical to the success of our home repair and new construction projects. I aspire to have as full and rewarding a retirement when that day comes for me (in the far distant future).
Thomas B.
11
Years ago, before the pandemic, I had the chance to travel to Poland for a Global Mission trip with Habitat for Humanity. It was there that I met Perry Shull, a retiree who once worked at Lincoln Financial Group in Fort Wayne, Ind. Shull reminded me of the power of a helping hand; of how our volunteer work touches people and changes lives. During our time in Poland, Shull recalled a trip to El Salvador, some 20 years ago. When the house was finished, the family’s grandmother, tears rolling down her cheeks, rushed to Shull and wrapped her arms around him. She didn’t speak English. He didn’t speak Spanish. But he could see the gratitude on her face. “It just changed my entire outlook on life,” said Shull, who is now in his 70s and served as our team leader. “I said I had to go back and do it again.” And go back he did. That trip marked Shull’s first to Poland, but his 19th for Habitat for Humanity. And in August, I’ll be meeting Shull again, this time for a mission trip in Portugal. What an inspiring man.
Mark W.
12
Terry P.
13
T.
14
Mary
15
Samira
16
Donna M.
17
I cannot name just one senior here. I learned so very much from each of them, so I have to name them all. Louis and Lucille Caplan, my paternal grandparents, Joe and Cammy Felzot my maternal grandparents and Marc Caplan, my father who passed at 86 years old in April of 2021.
Lisa C.
18
Andy
19
Noel
20
21
22
23
24
Amber
25
Dana
26
Diamond
27
Olivia
28
29
Shafa
30
Shariena
31
Tiffany
32
Kelly
33
Liz
34
35
Sgt. Jenkins
36
37
Allen
38
My father and my father-in-law are both major impacts in my life. While they come from 2 different countries, they are both guided by the fundamental tenets of hard work, putting others first and devotion to the Church. I try to honor both men with my actions and hope that I can serve my family, community and God like they have in their long and fruitful lives.
Victor
39
Tylicia
40
I would like to honor my grandfather, Lloyd W. Griffith, who lived in Tallahassee. He lived to be 96 years old. He was active and involved in life until his death. He rode his bike into his late eighties. He delivered Meals on Wheels until his early 90s and was older than many of those he delivered to. LOL!
Nancy L.
41
Tina
42
Amelia
43
Teresa
44
Sam
45
I honor my mom, Gail. A hard-working single mom. She is the most can-do, positive person that I know. She wakes up with a new song on her mind every day. The kind of person that gets lost and says, "Oh well. A new adventure." Times were not always easy, but I never doubted that we would be ok. Even today - as she recovers from a broken hip - she is tracking her progress and planning for her return home. Unstoppable.
Kate M.
46
Bill
47
Ron
48
Kerri
49
My Uncle William taught me about fishing, and the importance of patience growing up in the world. I learned a lot about life and growing up from him definitely an important part of my life growing up
Wes
50
My Grandmother is an inspiration in my life and countless others. She loves serving in her community and Church. She is my bestfriend, my hero, my everything!
Amelia
51
Freida B. my mom, who continues to show me what love, strength, and sacrifice look like. I remember she drove with us from ATL to Ohio and back to see her grandson off to college. It was a long drive, but she was a trooper and we can all enjoy the memory of that trip. She was over 80 years at the time.
Angela
52
Robert
53
Freida B. my mom, who continues to show me what love, strength, and sacrifice look like. I remember she drove with us from ATL to Ohio and back to see her grandson off to college. It was a long drive, but she was a trooper and we can all enjoy the memory of that trip. She was over 80 years at the time.
Angela
54
Bobby
55
I am honoring my mother, Marilynn. She is living with Parkinson's Dementia and she is someone who gave so much in her life. Memories of my mom include how she loved delivering Meals on Wheels and was able to get her Ladies Circle at church involved and all volunteered to deliver meals once a week. Mom has always cared about others and taught me how to give back.
Debra
56
Jo'De
57
Pat
58
Chip
59
Elizabeth
60
I would love to honor my late father, Sidney Lanier Berry, who passed in October of 2020, AND my mother Mildred who passed in 2019. A member of the Greatest Generation, he served as a Navy Construction Battalion crew member in WWII in the Philippines, then came home to marry our Mom and start our family. My Mom was the gentlest, most selfless person I ever knew. Her memorial stated "Loved by all she met"-these words say it all. While raising us three girls (my identical twin Darlene and myself, and my oldest sister Janice) Dad worked his way up to Employee Development Director at the Centers for Disease Control. Meanwhile, Mom worked at Columbia Theological Society most of her life. Before Dad passed, he reminisced that he and his 6 brothers and sisters moved almost monthly during the Depression due to lack of affordable housing and available jobs. It was clear that even at 93 years old these memories were still vivid. I remember thinking: how wonderful if not ONE person had to experience what they did, and that is why I am at Habitat today. Thank you, Dad and Mom, for all of the invaluable lessons you left us with. The most important one: do all that you can for others.
Denis
61
Nathan
62
Matt
63
Marshall
64
I honor my uncle Barrington, who is vet of the US Air force, who served his country for 30 years before retiring in California. My uncle has been my mentor and a father to me when my father passed away in 1996. He has nurtured my soul and sprit with a wisdom that is invaluable and could never be replaced. My uncle is 92 years strong and wise and full of love, and it is an honor to be in his presence or talk with him whether over the phone or texting, he has taught me the importance of kindness, faith, love and family. I salute and honor all senior's your wisdom and presence is needed, loved and respected; my GOD continue to bless you all.
Katie G.
65
| I would like to honor the men who volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Chip, Ron, Tom, Bobby and many others who I and my son have the pleasure of meeting with on Saturdays to help build on our own home as a blessed recipient to have a house built by Habitat or helping to restore a deck for a senior. learning from these men of wisdom and knowledge is a pleasure and seeing them continue to impact the lives of other after retirement. It is a wonderful experience to break bread with these men and learn so much about them and from them, including hearing stories from Tom' s about his cooking experiences in his home to Ron sharing stories of Chip's calmness during storms and their friendship, it is a humbling experience to being a part of the team, working together, thank you gentlemen and other's for all your hard work, you "rock. " |
Katie G.
66
My aunt Helen was decades ahead of her time: she was Postmaster in our small town, years before many such opportunities existed for women. Through her life she showed me and many little girls how competence and focus could open many doors. She was a loving, generous and fearless woman. One of my favorite photos of her is one with her - over age 65 at the time - taking a test ride as a passenger on the back of my young neighbor's new motorcycle, with a big smile, as they both gracefully leaned into a turn.
K.
67
Willie Mae is her name - my sweet grandmother. Although, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the late 80's she was with us for 92 years before she went to heaven in 2006, two weeks after my daughter was born. We watched the disease slowly take away her independence, but she never lost her beautiful smile. Many people who know me know that I love to bake. It relaxes me. I will never forget one year visiting my grandmother while in college she sat in her easy chair across from the kitchen and instructed me on how to make the best cake ever. It was a basic boxed cake that she taught me how to elevate to make it taste like I sifted the flour and churned the butter myself! I didn't write it down and 35 years later I'm still trying to recreate it. I did ask her later on in life, but she couldn't remember yet I can still see her sitting in the chair, directing me to add eggs, butter, sugar...quantities I can't remember but I can clearly see her face and that beautiful smile. Miss you Grandma!
Sharon
68
In honor of Older Americans Month, I would like to honor Tila Koirala.
Basan K.
Honor a senior today, here.